In a recent post I shared the beginnings of my private Southwest Florida Scenic Flight Tour. Starting in Punta Gorda, I highlighted the trip down to Sanibel Island and then as we headed back up the coast to Boca Grande.
Matlacha Island, sitting between Pine Island and the Florida mainland.
Continuing on the rest of the flight took us from the top of Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island up to Manasota Key and Englewood Beach. We then turned inland going over Port Charlotte, spending some time flying around Charlotte Harbor and the heart of Punta Gorda before heading in. The beautiful blue skies and water continued for the rest of the tour.
It’s time to let the photos and their captions tell the rest of the Southwest Florida scenic flight tour story. Well without further ado.
Approaching Boca Grande at the top of Gasparilla Island in Florida.
The residential community of Boca Grande is surrounded by the colorful Gulf of Mexico and Gasparilla Sound waters.
You take the Boca Grande Swing Bridge from Placida and Charlotte County to get to the coast.
Don Pedro Island and State Park, Manasota Key and Englewood Beach straight ahead!
Rambler Hole and Placida Harbor. Placida, Florida sits off to the left.
Don Pedro Island State Park in Southwest Florida. That turquoise Gulf of Mexico water!
Zooming in on the beachfront of Don Pedro Island. Amazing the difference in water color between the two sides.
Heading inland. Looking back to the south at Boca Grande, Coyo Costa and beyond.
My wife went up separately on a similar tour and snapped this beauty capturing all of Captiva Island amongst the turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters. I had to share it. 
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Bonus shot. Wife captured all of Captiva perfectly on another flight the same day. Sanibel Island sits opposite the bridge and to the south.
Over South Gulf Cove in Port Charlotte. Lots of vacant lots.
Just past Port Charlotte and over Charlotte Harbor.
Flying high over Charlotte Harbor. What a picturesque day for a flight.
Punta Gorda here we come! You can see the Charlotte Harbor Bridge that takes you over to Port Charlotte.
Laishley Park Municipal Marina front-and-center.
Fun seeing all the places that I have spent time in on the ground. Laishley Crab House is recommended.
Fisherman’s Village. Waterfront shopping, outdoor dining and fun awaits on the little blue pier sticking out.
The heart of Downtown Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda and the surrounding area.
An I-75 Cloverleaf interchange in Southwest Florida. Used to being on this interstate a lot further north.
Looking back at Punta Gorda and the heart of Charlotte County in Florida.
Punta Gorda Airport here we come!
Upon landing at Punta Gorda Airport we taxied back to the hanger at which time my feet were back touching the ground. Being nervous beforehand, with the hour plus tour now over, I kind of wished I was still back up in the air. Southwest Florida is beautiful.
Back in the hanger at Punta Gorda Airport. I had an amazing flight and Florida experience.
The pilot did a great job showcasing what this part of the state has to offer. Being a small-plane first timer, I was amazed by how much has to take place pre- and post-flight as well as up in the air to keep everything going.
With one small airplane ride now in the books, I hope to see more scenic views this way again soon.
Have you ever been on a scenic flight tour? In Florida?
